Defectors’ Allies

Three brown spirits are better than one in this
multinational winter cocktail.

While the original Allies cocktail (gin, dry vermouth and kümmel)
salutes British, French and Russian war efforts, Defectors bar
manager Ben Willacy chooses to extend the homage to North American
forces. "The Allies represents every major allied nation in World
War II," he says, adding patriots could replace half the Bourbon
with Starward, a new Australian whisky in the bright Speyside
style. As well as its multi-spirit base, this dark sour also calls
for a dash of vodka. It's an addition that might seem unorthodox,
but Willacy assures us the Stolichnaya does more than wave the flag
for Mother Russia. "The vodka lengthens the drink in a really
unusual way," he says. "I was delighted with the results and adding
it to sours is something I'm going to keep playing around with."
Defectors, level one, 693 Beaufort St, Mount
Lawley, WA, (08) 9328 6200.

Each fortnight we round up the most interesting characters from the food world for your listening pleasure. We chat to chefs, cooks, authors, bar tenders and baristas - anyone who has something new and interesting to say about the way we like to eat and drink.